A FUTURE for the Gerrards Cross library reliant on volunteers will be discussed with residents at a meeting tonight.

The village is one of 14 earmarked by finance bosses to be handed over to helpers in order to save nearly £700,000.

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Buckinghamshire County Council, which run libraries in the county, say cuts dictate change is necessary for the way they are run.

'Community partnerships' would be set up to keep the libraries going.

There would be no paid staff, but computer services would still be provided by the council.

Such schemes have already been established in West Wycombe, Little Chalfont and Chalfont St Giles.

Cllr Patricia Birchley, Cabinet Member for Adults and Family Wellbeing said these were a success story, citing the increased footfall and introduction of longer opening hours.

She said: “We have got three really good examples at the moment of community libraries where the community have made a magnificent job of involving everyone in the running of their libraries and we hope that can be replicated across the county.”

Residents can have their say and find out more about the plans at tonight's consultation meeting.

It runs from 7pm – 9pm at The Gerrards Cross C of E School, Moreland Drive, Gerrards Cross, SL9 8BD.